How to Use an Oster Rice Cooker: Expert Guide

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Rice is a staple food for many people worldwide, but cooking it perfectly can be tricky. That’s why a rice cooker is a handy appliance that can save you time and hassle in the kitchen. But how do you use a rice cooker effectively? And what are the benefits of using an Oster rice cooker?

This expert guide will show you how to use an Oster rice cooker to make delicious and fluffy rice every time. We will also cover some tips and tricks for cooking other grains and dishes and cleaning and maintaining your rice cooker. You will find something useful in this guide, whether you are a beginner or a pro.

Introduction to Oster Rice Cookers

Oster is a brand that has been making quality kitchen appliances since 1924. They offer a range of rice cookers that suit different needs and preferences. Some of their rice cookers have advanced features and functions, such as digital controls, delay timers, keep-warm settings, and steaming baskets. Others are more simple, with just one-touch operation and automatic shut-off.

No matter which model you choose, you can expect an Oster rice cooker to deliver consistent results and make your life easier. Oster rice cookers are designed to cook rice evenly and prevent burning or sticking. They also have non-stick inner pots that are easy to clean and durable. Plus, they come with measuring cups and spoons that help you measure the right amount of rice and water.

Unboxing and Setup

Before using your Oster rice cooker, you must unbox and set it up properly. Here are the steps to follow:

Remove all the packaging materials from the rice cooker and its accessories.
Wash the inner pot, lid, measuring cup, spoon, and steaming basket (if included) with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry them thoroughly.
Wipe the exterior of the rice cooker with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the rice cooker, cord in water or any other liquid.

Place the rice cooker on a flat, stable surface, away from heat sources and water splashes. Make sure there is enough space around the rice cooker for ventilation.
To use the rice cooker, plug it directly into a wall outlet. It is advisable to refrain from utilizing extension cords or power strips.
Your Oster rice cooker is now ready to use.

Types of Rice and Water Ratios

One of the most important factors that affect the quality of your cooked rice is the type of rice and the amount of water you use. Rice has various types that differ in texture, taste, and cooking duration. You must adjust the water-to-rice ratio depending on how soft or firm you want your rice to be.

Popular Types of Rice for Cooking

There are many types of rice available in the market, but some of the most popular ones are:

White rice: This is the most common type of rice milled to remove the bran and germ layers. The food item has a gentle taste and a tender consistency. It comes in different varieties: long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, jasmine, basmati, arborio, etc.

Brown rice: This is whole-grain rice with only the outer husk removed. The food item in question possesses a distinct nutty taste and a texture that requires some chewing. It takes longer to cook than white rice and has more nutrients and fiber.

Wild rice: This is not a rice type but a grass plant seed. It has a dark color and a nutty flavor. It takes longer to cook than white or brown rice and has more protein and antioxidants.

Red rice: This is another whole-grain rice type with a reddish-brown color and a nutty flavor. It takes longer to cook than white or brown rice and has more iron and antioxidants.

Black rice: This type of rice is often referred to as forbidden rice due to its historical use exclusively by Chinese royalty. It has a black color and a sweet flavor. It takes longer to cook than white or brown rice and has more anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants.

Ideal Water-to-Rice Ratios for Different Rice Types

A common guideline when preparing white rice is to use two cups of water for every cup of uncooked rice. However, this ratio may vary depending on the rice you use and how you like your rice to be cooked. Here are some suggested water-to-rice ratios for different types of rice:

Type of Rice	Water-to-Rice Ratio
White long-grain	1 3/4 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
White medium-grain	1 1/2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
White short-grain	1 1/4 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Jasmine	1 1/2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Basmati	1 1/2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Arborio	4 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Brown long-grain	2 1/4 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Brown medium-grain	2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Brown short-grain	2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Wild	3 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Red	2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice
Black	2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked rice

Adjusting Ratios for Desired Consistency

The water-to-rice ratio also depends on how you prefer your rice to be cooked. Some people like their rice to be soft and sticky, while others like it to be firm and fluffy. You can add more or less water per your preference to adjust the taste. Here are some tips to help you achieve your desired consistency:

Add more water (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra) or reduce the cooking time (by about 5 minutes) for softer and stickier rice.

Add less water (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup less) or increase the cooking time (by about 5 minutes) for firmer and fluffier rice.

For more flavor and aroma, you can replace some or all of the water with broth, juice, milk, coconut milk, or other liquids.

Preparing Rice for Cooking

Before you cook your rice, you need to prepare it properly. These steps will assist in removing impurities, enhancing texture, and improving the flavor of your cooked rice. Here are some steps to follow:

Washing and Rinsing Rice Properly

Washing and rinsing your rice is important to remove any dirt, dust, insects, or excess starch that may be present in the rice. Excess starch can make your rice clumpy and sticky, while dirt and insects can affect the taste and quality of your rice. To wash and rinse your rice properly, follow these steps:

Place the measured amount of rice in a fine-mesh strainer or a bowl.

Run cold water over the rice until the water runs clear. You may need to rub the grains gently with your fingers or a spoon to help remove the starch.
Drain the water and shake off any excess moisture.
Transfer the washed and rinsed rice to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker.

Soaking Rice (When and How)

Soaking your rice is optional, but it can help you achieve better results when cooking certain types of rice. Soaking can help soften the grains, reduce the cooking time, and improve the texture and flavor of your cooked rice. However, not all types of rice need to be soaked. Here are some guidelines on when and how to soak your rice:

White long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, jasmine, basmati, and arborio rice are not soaked.

Brown long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, wild, red, and black rice can benefit from soaking for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours before cooking. Here’s a tip that will assist in faster and more even cooking.

Place your rice in a bowl and cover it with cold water to soak it. To improve the taste and prevent discoloration, consider adding a small amount of salt, vinegar, or lemon juice as desired. Let it sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it.

Drain the soaking water and transfer the soaked rice to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker.

Tips for Seasoning Rice Before Cooking

Seasoning your rice before cooking can add flavor and interest to your dish. You can season your rice with salt, butter, oil, herbs, spices, or other ingredients that suit your taste and recipe. Here are some tips for seasoning your rice before cooking:

Add salt to the water or liquid used to cook your rice. The amount of salt depends on your preference and the type of liquid you use. A general rule is to use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of uncooked white rice or 3/4 teaspoon of salt per cup of uncooked brown or other types of rice.

Add butter or oil to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker along with the washed and rinsed or soaked rice. You can use about 1 tablespoon of butter or oil per cup of uncooked white rice or 2 tablespoons of butter or oil per cup of uncooked brown or other types of rice. You can also use olive, coconut, sesame, or other oils that match your recipe.

Add herbs, spices, or other ingredients to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker, the washed and rinsed or soaked rice, and the water or liquid. You can use fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, basil, thyme, rosemary, etc. You can also use spices like garlic, onion, ginger, turmeric, cumin, paprika, curry, etc. You can also use other ingredients, such as bay leaves, lemon zest, lime juice, coconut flakes, raisins, nuts, etc. The amount and combination of these ingredients depend on your preference and the type of rice and dish you are making.

Basic Rice Cooking

Once you have prepared and seasoned your rice, you can cook it in your Oster rice cooker. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Rice

Add the measured amount of water or liquid to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker. Make sure the water or liquid covers the rice completely and evenly.

To cook rice, first put the inner pot into the rice cooker and make sure the lid is tightly secured. Make sure the lid is locked and the steam vent is open.

Plug in the rice cooker and turn it on. Depending on your model, you may need to select the appropriate cooking setting for your type of rice. For example, some models have separate white and brown rice settings. For more information on how to use your particular model, please consult the user manual.

Please wait for the rice cooker to do its magic. The rice cooker will automatically adjust the temperature and time to cook your rice perfectly. You do not need to stir or check on your rice during cooking. When your rice is done, the rice cooker will beep or switch to keep warm mode.

Fluff your rice with a fork or a spoon and serve. Enjoy your delicious and fluffy rice!

Understanding Cooking Settings (if applicable)

Some Oster rice cookers have different cooking settings that you can choose from depending on your type of rice and desired result. Here are some common cooking settings that you may find on your model:

White Rice: This setting is for cooking white long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, jasmine, basmati, and arborio rice. It cooks the rice at a high temperature for a short time to produce soft and fluffy rice.

Brown Rice: This setting is for cooking brown long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, wild, red, and black rice. It cooks the rice at a lower temperature for longer to produce chewy and nutty rice.

Steam: This setting is for steaming vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dumplings, or other foods using the steaming basket (if included). It cooks the food with hot steam for a healthy and quick meal.

Quick Rice: This setting is for cooking white or brown rice faster than the normal settings. It reduces the soaking and resting time of the rice to save you time.

Delay Timer: This setting allows you to program your Oster rice cooker to start cooking later. You can set it up to 15 hours in advance and have your rice ready when you want it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking rice in an Oster rice cooker is easy and foolproof, but there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure optimal results. Here are some of them:

Using too much or too little water or liquid. This can affect the texture and consistency of your cooked rice. Use the measuring cup and spoon that came with your Oster rice cooker to measure the right amount of water or liquid for your type of rice.

Not washing and rinsing or soaking your rice properly. This can impact the taste and quality of your cooked rice. Wash, rinse, or soak your rice according to the instructions above before cooking it.

Only seasoning your rice after cooking. This can affect the flavor and interest of your cooked rice. Season your rice with salt, butter, oil, herbs, spices, or other ingredients before cooking.

Opening the lid during the cooking process. This can affect the temperature and pressure inside the Oster rice cooker and disrupt the cooking cycle. Wait to open the lid until your rice is done or until the keep warm mode is activated.

Refrain from fluffing your rice after cooking. This can affect the texture and appearance of your cooked rice. After cooking, cook your rice with a fork or a spoon to separate the grains and make them fluffy.

Cooking Other Grains and Dishes

Your Oster rice cooker is good for cooking rice and other grains and dishes. You can use it to cook quinoa, oats, barley, millet, buckwheat, couscous, and more. You can also make soups, stews, chili, risotto, paella, and more. Here are some tips and ideas for cooking other grains and dishes in your Oster rice cooker:

To cook quinoa, use the same water-to-quinoa ratio for white rice (1 3/4 cups water per 1 cup uncooked quinoa). Wash and rinse the quinoa before cooking it. Use the white rice setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 15 minutes. Fluff and serve.

To cook oats, use the same water-to-oats ratio for stovetop cooking (2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked oats). Add milk, sugar, honey, cinnamon, or other ingredients to your oats. Use the steam setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir and serve.

To cook barley, use a 3:1 water-to-barley ratio (3 cups water per 1 cup uncooked barley). Wash and rinse the barley before cooking it. Use the brown rice setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 40 minutes. Fluff and serve.

To cook millet, use a 2:1 water-to-millet ratio (2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked millet). Wash and rinse the millet before cooking it. Use the white rice setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 20 minutes. Fluff and serve.

To cook buckwheat, use a 2:1 water-to-buckwheat ratio (2 cups water per 1 cup uncooked buckwheat). Wash and rinse the buckwheat before cooking it. Use the white rice setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 15 minutes. Fluff and serve.

To cook couscous, use a 1:1 water-to-couscous ratio (1 cup water per 1 cup uncooked couscous). First, boil water in a kettle or pot to prepare couscous in your Oster rice cooker. Then, pour the hot water over the couscous in the rice cooker’s inner pot. Add salt, butter, oil, or other ingredients to your couscous. Cover with the lid and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Fluff and serve.

Use the steam setting on your Oster rice cooker to make soup, stew, chili, or other liquid-based dishes. Add your ingredients (meat, vegetables, beans, broth, spices, etc.) to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker. Make sure there is enough liquid to cover the ingredients and prevent burning or sticking. Cook for 30 to 60 minutes or until your ingredients are tender and cooked. Stir and serve.

Use the white rice setting on your Oster rice cooker to make risotto, paella, or other rice-based dishes. Sauté your ingredients (onion, garlic, meat, vegetables, etc.) in a skillet or a pot until browned and fragrant. Transfer them to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker, the rice, and the liquid (broth, wine, tomato sauce, etc.). Add salt, butter, oil, cheese, or other ingredients to your dish. Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes or until your rice is creamy and cooked through. Stir and serve.

Advanced Features and Functions

Some Oster rice cookers have advanced features and functions that can enhance your cooking experience and results. Here are some of them:

Keep Warm: With this feature, your rice will stay warm and moist until you are ready to serve it. It activates automatically after the cooking cycle is complete, or you can manually switch it on by pressing the keep warm button. Do not use this feature for more than 4 hours to avoid overcooking or drying out your rice.

Delay Timer: This feature lets you program your Oster rice cooker to start cooking later. You can set it up to 15 hours in advance and have your rice ready when you want it. To use this feature, follow these steps:

Add your ingredients (rice, water or liquid, seasonings) to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker as usual.

First, place the inner pot in the rice cooker to cook rice and secure the lid tightly.

Please plug in the rice cooker and switch it on.

Select the appropriate cooking setting for your type of rice.

Press the delay timer button until you see the desired delay time on the display screen. The delay time is shown in hours.

Press the start button to confirm your settings. The display screen will show “dE” to indicate that the delay timer is activated.

The rice cooker will start counting down from the delay time until it reaches zero. Then, it will start cooking your rice automatically.

When your rice is done, the rice cooker will beep or switch to keep warm mode.

Steaming Basket: This accessory allows you to steam vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dumplings, or other foods using your Oster rice cooker. It fits inside the inner pot and holds your food above the water or liquid. To use this accessory, follow these steps:

Add water or liquid to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker. The amount of water or liquid depends on the type and amount of food you are steaming and the cooking time. A general rule is to use about 1 cup of water or liquid every 10 minutes of steaming.

Place the steaming basket inside the inner pot and add your food to the basket. Do not overfill the basket or block the steam vent.

To cook rice, first place the inner pot into the rice cooker and make sure the lid is secure. Then, plug in the rice cooker and turn it on.

Select the steam setting on your Oster rice cooker and set the timer for your desired steaming time. Refer to your user manual or recipe book for suggested food steaming times.

When your food is done, the rice cooker will beep or switch to keep warm mode.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your Oster rice cooker in good condition and ensure its performance and longevity, you must clean and maintain it properly. Here are some tips and instructions for cleaning and maintaining your Oster rice cooker:

Before cleaning the rice cooker, unplug it and allow it to cool down completely.

Remove the inner pot, lid, measuring cup, spoon, and steaming basket (if included) from the rice cooker. Wash them with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry them thoroughly. You can also wash them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.

Wipe the exterior of the rice cooker with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the rice cooker, cord in water or any other liquid.

Wipe the heating plate and the sensor with a damp cloth. Before placing the inner pot back into the rice cooker, ensure it is clean and completely dry.

Store the rice cooker in a cool and dry place when not in use. Do not place anything on the lid or wrap the cord around the rice cooker.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

You may need help with issues or problems when using your Oster rice cooker. Here are some common issues and their possible causes and solutions:

The rice cooker does not turn on or start cooking.

Check if the rice cooker is plugged in properly and if the outlet has a power supply.
Check if the lid is locked securely and the steam vent is open.

Check if you have selected the correct cooking setting for your type of rice.
Check if you have pressed the start button to begin cooking.

The rice is undercooked or overcooked.

Check if you have used the right amount of water or liquid for your type of rice and desired consistency.
Check if you have properly washed, rinsed, or soaked your rice before cooking it.
Check if you have opened the lid during cooking or used the keep warm feature for too long.

The rice is burned or stuck to the bottom of the inner pot.

Check if you have used enough water or liquid for your type of rice and desired consistency.
Check if you have seasoned your rice with salt, butter, oil, or other ingredients before cooking.

Check if you have cleaned and dried the heating plate and sensor before placing the inner pot back into the rice cooker.

The rice cooker leaks water or steam.

Check if you have used too much water or liquid for your type of rice and desired consistency.

Check if you have placed the inner pot and the lid correctly and securely into the rice cooker.
Check if the steam vent is clear and not blocked by any food or debris.

The rice cooker makes a lot of noise or emits steam.

This is normal and part of the cooking process. The rice cooker will make some noise and emit steam as it heats and cooks your rice. Do not worry; this does not affect the quality or safety of your rice.

Safety Precautions

To use your Oster rice cooker safely and avoid accidents or injuries, you must follow some safety precautions. Here are some of them:

Read and follow the user manual and the instructions in this guide carefully before using your Oster rice cooker.

Please do not use your Oster rice cooker for any purpose other than what it is intended for.

Do not use your Oster rice cooker if it is damaged, malfunctioning, or has a broken cord or plug.

Do not place your Oster rice cooker near heat sources, water splashes, or flammable materials.

Do not touch the hot surfaces of the rice cooker, such as the lid, the inner pot, or the steam vent. Use oven mitts or potholders to handle them.

Do not open the lid during cooking or until the steam has escaped completely. Please exercise caution when opening the lid to avoid injury from the hot steam.

Do not immerse the rice cooker, cord in water or any other liquid. Before cleaning the rice cooker, unplug it and allow it to cool down completely.

Keep your Oster rice cooker out of reach of children and pets. Supervise them if they are near the rice cooker.

Oster Rice Cooker Hacks and Tips

To make the most out of your Oster rice cooker and enjoy its versatility and convenience, you can try some hacks and tips to enhance your cooking experience and results. Here are some of them:

To reheat leftover rice, add a splash of water to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker along with the rice. Use the keep warm setting to heat your rice until it is warm and moist again.

To make sushi rice, add vinegar, sugar, and salt to the water or liquid used to cook your white short-grain rice. Use the white rice setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 15 minutes. Fluff and serve with your favorite sushi ingredients.

To make fried rice, cook your white long-grain or jasmine rice in your Oster rice cooker as usual. Then, transfer it to a baking sheet and spread it evenly. Refrigerate it overnight or for at least 4 hours to dry the moisture. Then, heat some oil in a skillet or a wok over high heat and fry your rice with eggs, vegetables, meat, soy sauce, sesame oil, or other ingredients you like.

Mix your cake batter in a bowl according to your recipe to make a cake. Grease the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker with butter or oil and pour in your cake batter. To cook your rice, select the steam setting on your Oster rice cooker and allow it to cook for approximately 40 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center of the dish and make sure it comes out clean. It is recommended to let it cool down a bit before removing it from the inner pot.

To prepare yogurt, heat milk in a pot on medium heat until it reaches 180°F (82°C). Once it cools down to 110°F (43°C), add plain yogurt as a starter culture and stir well. Transfer the mixture to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker and wrap it with a towel. Keep the warm setting on your Oster rice cooker and let it ferment for about 8 to 12 hours or until thickening. Refrigerate it before serving.

Understanding Oster Rice Cooker Technologies

Oster rice cookers use various technologies that make them smart and efficient appliances that cook your rice perfectly every time. Here are some of them:

Smart Logic Technology: This technology allows your Oster rice cooker to automatically adjust the temperature and time according to the type and amount of rice you cook. It also prevents overcooking or undercooking by switching to keep warm mode when your rice is done.

Fuzzy Logic Technology: This technology allows your Oster rice cooker to sense and adapt to various factors affecting the cooking process, such as altitude, humidity, power fluctuations, etc. It also adjusts the temperature and time accordingly to ensure optimal results.

Induction Heating Technology: This technology allows your Oster rice cooker to heat up faster and more evenly by using an electromagnetic field that generates heat directly in the inner pot. It also maintains a precise and consistent temperature throughout cooking to produce fluffy and delicious rice.

Exploring Oster Rice Cooker Accessories

Your Oster rice cooker comes with accessories that can help you cook your rice and other foods more easily and efficiently. Here are some of them:

Measuring Cup: This accessory helps you measure the right amount of uncooked rice for your needs. It has markings indicating how many cups of Uncooked white or brown rice you use. You can also use it to measure the water or liquid needed to cook your rice.

Spoon: This accessory helps you stir and fluff your cooked rice. It has a non-stick coating that prevents the rice from sticking to it. You can also use it to serve your rice or other foods.

Steaming Basket: This accessory helps steam vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dumplings, or other foods using your Oster rice cooker. It fits inside the inner pot and holds your food above the water or liquid. It has holes that allow the steam to circulate and cook your food evenly and quickly.

Rice Paddle: This accessory helps you scoop and serve your cooked rice. It has a non-stick coating that prevents the rice from sticking to it. It also has a hole that allows you to hang it on a hook or a rack for easy storage.

Delicious One-Pot Meals

One of the best things about cooking rice in an Oster rice cooker is that you can also cook other foods along with your rice and make delicious one-pot meals. You can use the steaming basket to steam vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dumplings, or other foods while your rice is cooking. You can add other ingredients, such as beans, tomatoes, cheese, or sauce, to your rice and make a hearty and flavorful dish. Here are some ideas for delicious one-pot meals that you can make with your Oster rice cooker:

Chicken and Rice: Add chicken broth, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker and white long-grain rice. Place chicken pieces on the rice and sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika. Use the white rice setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 20 minutes or until the chicken and rice are done.

Vegetable Fried Rice: As usual, cook white long-grain or jasmine rice in your Oster rice cooker. Then, heat some oil in a skillet or a wok over high heat and fry some eggs, scallions, carrots, peas, corn, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt until well combined. Mix everything by adding the cooked rice and tossing it.

Mexican Rice: Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker and white long-grain rice. Place some black beans and corn on top of the rice. Use the white rice setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is done. Sprinkle some shredded cheese and cilantro over the rice before serving.

Coconut Rice: Add coconut milk, water, sugar, salt, and cardamom pods to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker, along with white long-grain or basmati rice. Use the white rice setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is done. Fluff and serve with some toasted coconut flakes on top.

Rice Pudding: Add milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, and salt to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker, along with white short-grain or arborio rice. Use the steam setting on your Oster rice cooker and cook for about 40 minutes or until the rice is creamy and tender. Stir occasionally during the cooking process. Serve hot or cold with some whipped cream or nuts on top.

Conclusion

Cooking rice in an Oster rice cooker is a simple and convenient way to make delicious and fluffy rice every time. You can also use your Oster rice cooker to cook other grains and dishes and follow various special diets and recipes. With this expert guide, you can use your Oster rice cooker effectively and enjoy its benefits and features. Happy cooking! 😊

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